Table Tennis Ireland has been developing a Parkinsons group in Lisburn very successfully for the last 8 months. Due to the growth and success of the Lisburn group, Parkinson’s UK has provided additional funding to establish more groups across Ulster for individuals with Parkinson’s. These new groups, set to begin in late October, will be located in Newry, Omagh, and Belfast. Our long-term goal is to create sustainable Parkinson’s groups in each location, with the aspiration of organising competitions between different groups across Ulster and the rest of Ireland.
We are also delighted to announce that TTI will be supporting the start up of a Parkinsons group in Cork City. Partnering with Cork Sports Partnership and Parkinsons Ireland the aim will be to replicate the success already seen in Lisburn. More details to follow – watch this space.
Table tennis offers significant benefits for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease, focusing on balance, hand-eye coordination, rhythmic movements, and concentration. The sport involves anticipating the ball’s trajectory, coordinating movements, and enhancing body mobility through twisting and lateral stepping.
Since February 27th, Table Tennis Ireland has been running the weekly Bat ‘N’ Chat program every Tuesday morning from 11 AM to 12 PM at Lisburn Racquets Club. Participation has been steadily rising, with over twenty attendees each week, and carers are encouraged to join as well. After the table tennis activities, participants enjoy tea or coffee and a selection of homemade treats, providing an excellent opportunity for social interaction. A recent survey indicated that participants greatly enjoy these sessions. Table Tennis Ulster is grateful for the grant from Parkinson’s UK, which has enabled the launch of this initial Parkinson’s group.
In other good news we would like to wish Marin Heffernan all the best when he attends the Parkinsons World Championship in Metz, France in October. Please find attaching the link to the article that appears now in the Parkinson’s Ireland Autumn magazine. Hopefully it will inspire some to take up a bat and start playing.
